Chapter #5: As he approached the entrance to Bio Lab #2, Luther Krane smirked to himself before entering. Stepping inside, he barely cast a glance at the rows of tanks that lined the cavernous room; or the creatures within. His focus was locked solely on a large tank in the center of the room and the creature it contained. Krane's smirk widened into a full fledged grin as he recalled that every specimen locked within this chamber was considered to be a failure for the Jenova project. Unlike the other scientists and Cipher administrators, who were solely interested in creating Shadow pokémon, he saw these creatures, or Wraith as they were called, as something more. Especially the one in the large center tank. The irony wasn't lost on Krane as he remembered that the creature he sought was an enhanced, modernized version of the legendary phantom pokémon, Mew. Although the specimen had yet to become a full fledged Wraith, he'd make sure that it would. If the records were correct regarding the power of the original clone, he knew this one would become a powerful Wraith when the transformation was complete. It didn't hurt matters that Krane had secretly injected himself with the virus in order to have a better understanding of the creatures. Reaching the tank, Krane took a moment to compose himself so the creature wouldn't become suspicious of him or his intentions. Unlike the other tanks in the room, the one he now stood beside had a special computer terminal installed, which would make his job of turning the specimen much easier. “What do you want human?” Just as he'd thought, the creature had sensed his presence and got straight to the point. Unlike the clone created for the Genesis project, the psychic voice used by this one was deep and masculine. One thing both specimens had in common was that each had a human base. If memory served, the human subjects used in the creation of the base were siblings. As such, it would be no surprise to Krane if at some level the clones shared such a bond. “Just to provide you with information about your past.” Krane replied as he pulled a shiny storage unit out of his pocket. “You do want to know, don't you?” “Indeed.” the creature responded. He then inserted it into a slot on the computer. “Are you certain this is everything?” “Yes, I'm quite certain. That disk contains all the information you need to know.” Krane answered. “If that is so then leave me.” the creature said after a pause. With a nod, Krane turned and began walking toward the door. He'd only made it half way across the room when the creature called out again, causing him to stop and turn around. “Oh, and Krane... don't stray too far. I may be in need of your assistance again.” “Of course.” Smirking to himself, Luther Krane walked out of the Bio Lab as a violent tremor began to stir. The sounds of loose debris and shaking glass becoming overshadowed by a piercing, anguished scream. *************** As she reached the entrance to the staff room, Alice wondered what the plan was going to be. Stepping inside, she quickly spotted Dione, Gwen, and Alan sitting at the old table in the center of the room. She also spotted an Umbreon lying on the table, preening itself, next to Alan. Alice vaguely wondered how many pokémon the man had. At last count, she recalled seeing a Tallow, Nidorina, Vulpix, Bayleef, and now an Umbreon with him. Letting the thought go, she noticed that Dione and Gwen looked just as uncomfortable as she felt. Since when were they in on it? She fidgeted slightly as she took a seat. “So, the gang’s all here.” Alan commented amused. “Dione, Gwen, this is Alice. She’s on our side, so just relax, okay?” he added nodding his head toward her. Dione for one, seemed to calm down somewhat. “I take it we’re doing this soon?” Gwen spoke up. “Yeah, we’re doing it soon. Although I can't say for sure exactly when we'll do it.” Alan replied. “In the meantime, I thought it couldn't hurt to get to know each other?” he continued. There was an awkward silence, and for a moment, Alan looked rather disappointed. Then he grinned. “Well, folks looks like we're model members of Cipher; can’t even trust our own co-workers. Guess I’ll start, then.” he said. “I’m Alan Wesker. I’m thirty-two years old, and my blood type is O positive. I grew up in Kanto’s Saffron City. My favorite color is green and my favorite food is rice. I’m a genetic engineer, hired by Cipher at the start of the project to serve as a medical consultant and oversee the night staff. I’m currently on-board as a consultant. Next.” Across from Alice, Gwen shifted in her chair. She looked orderly and professional. “Gwen Rhodes, age twenty-seven Blood type B negative. I was born and raised in the Johto region. I...” “What city?” Alan cut in. “No city. My family moved too much for me to set down roots. Anyway, I like the color blue and chilidogs with hot sauce. I’m a computer technician, transferred in five months into the project to get the bugs out of the systems they were using, and I’ve been on maintenance ever since.” Gwen replied. Dione leaned forward in his chair. “The name’s Dione Akiyama, age twenty-seven and AB negative. Because of that the vampires love me. I was born in a remote little hellhole in the Hoenn region, and that’s all I’m gonna say about that. I like the color orange, always have, always will. I also like double-decker tacos; I’m a genetic engineer, assigned to the project under Alan way the hell back in the beginning.” “And your favorite word is 'hell'.” Gwen said flippantly. “And my favorite word is 'hell'. Or 'shit', or 'damn', or anything else that gets the point across.” Dione chuckled. All eyes then turned on her. “Um... I’m Alice Sanada, age twenty-two...” “Hell, you’re just a kid!” Dione barked. Alice winced. “My blood type is B positive, my favorite color is purple, and I like strawberry mocha. I was born and raised in Phenac City...” Gwen stared at her. “You’re a local?” The young assistant nodded sheepishly. “I got an ad in the mail about five months ago for a laboratory assistant and applied, and that’s how I ended up on the project, seventeen months in. Now I’m a caretaker.” There was a low whistle from Dione before the sound of someone approaching caught everyone's attention. Turning, Alice was surprised to see Dr. Banner enter the room carrying a stack of computer disks and file folders. Looking around, she noticed that both Dione and Gwen seemed just as surprised as she was. Alan however, didn't seem fazed by the man's appearance. “Hope I'm not interrupting anything.” Banner stated, taking a seat. “And that brings us to round two; how we all got involved with Cipher in the first place.” Alan said. The brown haired man's tone was somber as he began to speak after a brief pause. By this time, Alice noticed that the Umbreon had finished preening itself and had decided to listen in on their conversation. “As for me, my wife died three years ago. Without her half of the income, I was really hurting to make the rent and look after our two hyperactive daughters when a couple of men from Cipher approached me.” In response to Alan's last statement, Alice saw the Umbreon yawn widely and roll it's eyes before laying it's head down on the table. Alice thought she saw a slight smirk cross Alan's face as he continued speaking. “They offered me enough of a payoff at the end to pay off my house, if I took a job as a geneticist in their lab. I accepted.” Alan nodded curtly to Gwen. “Still going around the circle, now, you’re turn.” “They got me as a kid.” the woman said softly. “I was a hacker, just as a hobby. They got word somehow, and recruited me when I was seventeen. I figured the money was good, and I haven’t had to actually hurt anyone yet...” she continued. The woman shrugged, as though it didn’t matter, but her eyes told Alice that it did. Alan nodded. “So, you’re the only one here who was with Cipher before the project, then...” The woman ignored him, turning her attention to Dione instead. He shrugged as well. “They promised me an exciting career, the kind of thing that wins you the Nobel Prize. I was a greedy guy and couldn’t say no.” he muttered. “Still can’t say 'no' real well.” Gwen teased. Alan arched eyebrow at her “And neither can you, missy, so hush and let Alice have her turn.” he bellowed. Alice stared at him. Couldn’t they just forget about her? “Well, like I said, I answered an ad for an assistant position that I found in my mailbox.” she replied. “I thought it was kind of weird because no one else I knew had received one.” “I didn’t know it was related to Cipher until later, but when I found out, I took the job anyway because my Grandma is really sick, and needs special medicine.” A brief silence descended among the group; interrupted as Alan spoke up. “It seems they managed to snare two of us with promises of enough money to look out for loved ones, one of us was nabbed as a kid, and one of us were bought over with promises of fortune and glory.” “Which one am I?” Dione chucked. “So, is that the last of the personal exposition?” “Not quite yet.” Banner cut in. Everyone turned in his direction and gave him their undivided attention. “As you all know, my name is Samuel Banner and I'm the senior researcher for this project.” “I'm also in charge of another program known as the Jenova project; and was enticed in much the same manner as Mr. Akiyama.” he continued. “I hate to interrupt but what exactly is this Jenova project?” Dione cut in. Banner smiled faintly before launching into a brief overview of the project. “For a more detailed explanation you'll find the answers here.” he concluded sliding the stack of disks and file folders across the table. Silence fell between them briefly before Banner continued speaking. “There were originally two clones bred at this facility.” Everyone stared at him in surprise. “The first clone was developed in accordance with the Jenova protocols several months prior to the start of the Genesis project.” he continued softly. “What happened to the first clone?” Gwen asked. “The viral agent used in creating shadow pokémon is a very potent substance that can induce incredible mutation within the subject. In most cases, the specimen receives an increase in overall stamina and power as well as enhancements to their other natural abilities at the cost of their hearts. However, in some instances, this enhancement makes them so violent as to be completely uncontrollable; as the case was for the first clone.” Banner replied. “Where is the clone now?” Alan asked. “It's being stored in Bio Lab #2 along with all the others that became too unstable to work with.” Banner answered. The silence among the group was palpable, almost painful, before Banner spoke up once more. “Every time I see the... second clone, I'm reminded of the little girl whose life was taken to make it, and I think of the other as well. That’s why I’m here. I was on the project from the start, but even at that, it was too late to save that little girl; or the boy they used prior to her. So I decided to stick around, make sure whatever we were making survived. And then I’d see it free. The pokémon deserves that much. At least it was never subjected to that cursed virus. As for myself, I've spent enough time in the company of death.” “I just want out.” Gwen said sadly. “They’ve taken almost ten years of my life; I don’t want them to have another minute. I figure I might as well give them some grief when I go.” “I want out, too. Fortune and glory aren’t worth selling my soul for. Getting that pokémon out is the least I can do to make up for it.” Dione said abruptly. There was a lengthy silence, and Alice realized they were all waiting on her. She shifted a little bit. “I guess... I just want it to all be over, too. I look at her, and it’s just not right. She’s hurting...” “I agree.” Alan muttered somberly. There was a moment of stillness in the room, not just silence; no one even moved. Unable to take the silence any longer, Alice found herself speaking up. “So... what's the plan?” “I'm still working on the specifics but I have a friend in the R.R.T.S. that might be able to help us.” Alan replied. “You talkin' about the Pokémon Rangers' bullshit special unit?” Dione asked incredulously. “That very one.” Alan smirked. Alice noticed a hint of a smile cross Banner's face in response to Alan's remark as Dione snorted in amusement. The group's musings were interrupted a moment later as an alarm began blaring. The computerized voice calmly informing them of a security breach occurring in Bio Lab #2. “What the hell?” Dione stammered as everyone glanced around in confusion. “That fool!” Banner growled as he rose to his feet. “What has Krane done now?” “What's going on?” Alan asked. “I suggest you gather everything you need and get out of here. In the meantime, I'll work on containing the creature and see if I can buy you some time!” Banner snapped. With that the man stormed out of the room. “Looks like we're doing this sooner than I thought.” Alan spoke up as he grabbed the stack of disks and file folders. He quickly stuffed the items in a brown leather bag and shoved it in Alice's direction. “Alice, I want you to hold on to this. You and Jovi are to leave this room and proceed directly to the rendezvous point.” Alice nodded numbly wondering where this supposed rendezvous point was. “Kay.” Alice blinked. Did the Umbreon just speak? “Don't worry, Jovi knows where to go. In the meantime, the rest of us will round up Aerithtwo and meet you at the rendezvous point.” Alan said. “Alright everyone, let's get started!” With that, the group broke up as everyone got busy. *************** As he sat in the auditorium, Jaden Kururugi enjoyed the opportunity to hang out with friends and relax during the annual End-of-Year Bash. Although the faculty officially denied its existence, the End-of-Year Bash had become something of a tradition at Kadic Academy and was usually held the week after mid-terms were over. Kadic Academy was a junior college located just outside Seattle, Washington. All around him, students enjoyed themselves in a host of activities, which included dancing, chatting, or playing cards. Jaden however, was content to watch the proceedings and play video games on his Game Boy. He was 18 years old, had brown hair, blue eyes, and a slim, muscular build. He was dressed casually in jeans, gray sneakers, and a black shirt. Glancing at his watch, Jaden cursed softly after discovering that he'd stayed so late. Remembering that he still had an assignment to turn in, Jaden quickly made his way through the crowd and was about to begin the trek back to his dorm room when a familiar female voice called out to him. Turning, he saw his cousin Diana watching him. “Hey, where are you headed?” “Back to my room. Mr. Langsam gave me an extension and I really don't want to disappoint him.” Jaden replied. “I see. You still working on that research project for him?” “Of course.” “Good luck.“” Diana replied with a grin. “Thanks. Keep an eye on J.D. for me, alright?” “Don't worry; I'll make sure that slacker behaves 'emself.” “Great! Well, see you later.” Jaden replied with a smile. With a chuckle and a two-fingered salute, Diana turned and disappeared into the crowd. Jaden meanwhile, began to make his way out of the room. After exiting the auditorium, Jaden quickly made his way toward a nearby dormitory. As he reached the building, Jaden stopped and reflected on the unexpected twists that had occurred in his life. His best friend J.D. for example, not only shared a dorm room with him but was also his cousin's stepbrother. The pair were also anime fans and often compared notes when it came to their favorite shows in addition to their favorite monster movies. Although J.D. was a more dedicated anime fan, Jaden had learned martial arts just to be more like his favorite anime characters. Out of the three of them, Jaden could probably be considered the normal one. He made average grades while his cousin Diana was a compulsive straight 'A' student. J.D. meanwhile, had low grades but somehow managed to pull through in the end. After letting the memories pass, Jaden entered the building and headed for his room. *************** Later that night, Jaden had a strange dream. In the dream, he felt as though he were floating in a dark, empty void. After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, a female voice called out startling him. “Jaden Kururugi...” the voice said. The voice itself, sounded, to Jaden, like it belonged to a young British girl. “Are you interested in taking part in the adventure of a lifetime?” “Who's there?" Jaden heard himself ask. “Who I am is not important at this time. Are you interested in my offer, Mr. Kururugi?” the voice retorted. “I guess so.” “Good. Then let the interview begin.” the voice said. The voice promptly began to ask him a series of seemingly trivial questions. Jaden did his best to answer all the questions that were asked. After a time the voice went silent, leaving Jaden to wonder what was going on. “Very interesting Mr. Kururugi. I'm certain that great things are in store for you. However, I do have one last question for you.” the voice said after a pause. “What is it?” Jaden asked. “If the world were in danger, would you be willing to sacrifice yourself for the safety of others if need be?” “I'm not sure I follow.” Jaden answered. “If given a choice, would you be willing to give up all that you know and hold dear of your world in order to save it?” “I guess so.” “Even if it means that you can't return to the world as you know it?” “Sure. Why not?” “I see. In that case, you are indeed ready.” the voice said thoughtfully. “So, what happens now?” Jaden asked. “You are about to embark on an epic journey to protect the known universe from a threat that will destroy all if it were to manifest itself.” the voice replied. “What can I possibly do?” Jaden asked. “Soon, you will undergo some minor changes. However, don't be alarmed as they are in preparation for you quest. In the meantime, I suggest that you get some rest so that you will be ready to take part in the journey that lies ahead.” the voice said. At that moment, Jaden's vision began to fade to black.